By Special Correspondent
Jabalpur: The National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) on Tuesday submitted a memorandum to the district collector, highlighting what it described as appalling conditions in tribal hostels and Eklavya Model Residential Schools in the district. Led by NSUI national spokesperson Viraj Yadav, the delegation alleged that students were forced to consume rotten, insect-infested food and were subjected to casteist abuse, mental harassment and inhuman treatment by hostel authorities.
Yadav said the student protests on December 29 were triggered by persistent neglect, including lack of clean drinking water, toilets and medical facilities, and instances of students being compelled to clean toilets. He alleged that earlier complaints were met with only cosmetic action.
The NSUI issued a 15-day ultimatum, demanding monthly inspections by a multi-departmental team, mandatory laboratory testing of food samples, strict action against erring contractors and officials, and the establishment of a confidential grievance redressal mechanism under the collector’s supervision.
Warning of intensified protests, Yadav said thousands of tribal students and NSUI workers would take to the streets if concrete action was not taken.
